C1adjective 2K

Distinctive

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/"]/

Meaning of Distinctive

having a quality or characteristic that makes something different and easily noticed

In simple words: Something that is unique or different from others.

Distinctive in a sentence

• clothes with a distinctive style
• The male bird has distinctive white markings on its head.
• Each district of the city has its own distinctive character.
• Good diagrams are the book's most distinctive feature.
• She heard the distinctive sounds of a Siamese cat.
• The car was silver with distinctive red stripes.
• The herb has a strong, distinctive, celery-like flavour.
• The kidnapper had a fairly distinctive voice with a Scottish accent.
• There was nothing distinctive about the envelope in which the letter came.

How to use Distinctive

Use 'distinctive' to describe features that make someone or something stand out. It works well in both spoken and written English, particularly in descriptive contexts. Avoid using it informally.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think 'distinctive' like 'distinctive music' — it has its own special sound.

Related words

Collocations with Distinctive

• be
• extremely
• fairly
• very

Synonyms for Distinctive

• characteristic

Opposites of Distinctive

• ordinary
• common
• mundane

Common mistakes with Distinctive

• Confused with 'distinct' — 'distinctive' describes features that stand out, while 'distinct' means separate.
• Using 'distinctive' inappropriately with non-visual contexts, like emotions or abstract ideas.
• Mispronouncing it as 'dis-tinct-ive' instead of 'dis-tin-ctive'.

Frequently asked questions about Distinctive

What does Distinctive mean?

Something that is unique or different from others.

What is the definition of Distinctive?

having a quality or characteristic that makes something different and easily noticed

How do you use Distinctive in a sentence?

clothes with a distinctive style

Can you give another example of Distinctive?

The male bird has distinctive white markings on its head.

What are synonyms for Distinctive?

Common alternatives include characteristic.

What is the opposite of Distinctive?

Opposite meanings include ordinary, common, mundane.

What words go with Distinctive?

It commonly pairs with be, extremely, fairly, very.

What are common mistakes when using Distinctive?

Confused with 'distinct' — 'distinctive' describes features that stand out, while 'distinct' means separate. Using 'distinctive' inappropriately with non-visual contexts, like emotions or abstract ideas. Mispronouncing it as 'dis-tinct-ive' instead of 'dis-tin-ctive'.

How do you pronounce Distinctive?

US: /["/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Distinctive?

Use 'distinctive' to describe features that make someone or something stand out. It works well in both spoken and written English, particularly in descriptive contexts. Avoid using it informally.

What CEFR level is Distinctive?

"Distinctive" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.